Centre-Ville in Reims in Marne, Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne, France — Western Europe
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
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Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2026
1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
Lieu de mémoire du sacre des rois de France depuis le baptême de Clovis représenté en façade, la cathédrale de Reims est l’une des plus belles expressions de l’art gothique à son apogée.
L’équilibre et l’harmonie de son élévation principale mettent en valeur une statuaire exceptionnelle, réalisée entre 1210 et 1250, célébrant le Christ, la Vierge Marie et la royauté sacrée.
En 1914, l’incendie du monument bouleverse l’opinion internationale. La disparition de la charpente, les pierres rubéfiées et les sculptures brisées, dont un ange arborant le « Sourire de Reims », représentent un drame pour l’humanité.
Grâce à de nombreuses aides financières, notamment de John D. Rockefeller Jr, elle est restaurée par l’architecte Henri Deneux qui la dote d’une charpente en béton armé. Elle devient un symbole de paix lorsqu’en 1962, Charles de Gaulle et Konrad Adenauer y engagent la réconciliation franco-allemande.
Le sacre de Louis XV, Roy de France et de Navarre dans l’église de Reims […] © BM de Reims, recueil d’estampes 15, planche 39
Vue de la grande rose, photographie de François Rothier, avant 1914 © BM Reims, Rothier, XIII 169
La cathédrale sous les bombardements du 19 septembre 1914, cliché de Jules Serpe © BM Reims, carte postale 55-182
The equilibrium and harmony of the façade highlight the qualities of an exceptional statue, created between 1210 and 1250, celebrating Christ, the Virgin Mary and sacred royalty.
In 1914, the fire at the monument was a shocking event on an international scale. The disappearance of the framework structure, the fire-reddened stones and the broken sculptures—including an angel that carried the famous “Reims Smile”—were symbolic of a drama for all humanity.
With numerous sources of financial assistance, including in particular that of John D. Rockefeller Jr., it was restored by the architect Henri Deneux, who gave it a new frame structure constructed in reinforced concrete. It became a symbol of peace when in 1962, Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer engaged in Franco-German reconciliation there.
The coronation of Louis XV, King of France and Navarre, in the church of Reims […] © Reims Municipal Library, collection of prints 15, plate 39
View of the great rose window, photograph by François Rothier, before 1914 © Reims Municipal Library, Rothier, XIII 169
The cathedral under bombardment on September 19, 1914, photograph by Jules Serpe © Reims Municipal Library, postcard 55-182
Die Kathedrale ist eines der schönsten Exemplare für die Gotik in ihrer Blütezeit. Seit der Taufe Chlodwigs, die in der Fassade dargestellt wird, ist sie eine Gedenkstätte für die Krönungen der Könige Frankreichs.
Die Ausgewogenheit und Harmonie der Hauptansicht zeugen von einer außergewöhnlichen Bildhauerkunst, die zwischen 1210 und 1250 entstand und die Christus, die Jungfrau Maria und das Sakralkönigtum zelebriert.
1914 erschütterte ein Brand des Bauwerks die internationale Öffentlichkeit. Der Verlust des Gebälks, die rotgefärbten Steine und die zerbrochenen Skulpturen – darunter ein Engel mit dem berühmten „Lächeln von Reims“ – bedeuteten ein Drama für die Menschheit.
Dank zahlreicher finanzieller Hilfen, insbesondere von John D. Rockefeller Jr., wurde sie vom Architekten Henri Deneux restauriert, der das Dachgebälk durch armierte Betonelemente ersetzte. Die Kathedrale wurde ein Symbol des Friedens, als sich hier 1962 Charles de Gaulle und Konrad Adenauer begegneten, um die deutsch-französische Versöhnung zu zelebrieren.
Die Krönung Ludwigs XV., König von Frankreich und Navarra, in der Kirche von Reims […] © Stadtbibliothek Reims, Stichsammlung 15, Tafel 39
Blick auf das große Rosenfenster, Fotografie von François Rothier, vor 1914 © Stadtbibliothek Reims, Rothier, XIII 169
Die Kathedrale unter dem Bombardement am 19. September 1914, Aufnahme von Jules Serpe © Stadtbibliothek Reims, Postkarte 55-182
Erected by Historic
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1914.
Location. 49° 15.205′ N, 4° 1.945′ E. Marker is in Reims, Grand Est (Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne), in Marne. It is in Centre-Ville. It is at the intersection of Pl. du Cardinal Luçon and Rue Rockefeller, on the left when traveling north on Pl. du Cardinal Luçon. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Reims, Grand Est 51100, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cathédrale (a few steps from this marker); Statue de Jeanne d’Arc / Statue of Joan of Arc (within shouting distance of this marker); Médiathèque Jean Falala / Jean Falala Multimedia Library
Photographed by James Hulse
2. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The view of the marker and cathedral.
Other markers no longer nearby. Médiathèque Jean Falala (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Cathédral Notre-Dame (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2026
3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame
Photographed by James Hulse, August 5, 2026
4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The smiling angel statue with the “Reims Smile” at the entrance to the cathedral.
Photographed by James Hulse
5. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The interior view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims, looking along the nave toward the choir and high altar.
Photographed by James Hulse
6. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The interior view of Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims, looking toward the western façade and its great rose windows.
Photographed by James Hulse
7. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The exterior view of the Coronation of the Virgin, with the great rose window above.
Photographed by James Hulse
8. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
The interior view of a martyred saint in front of the stained glass.
Photographed by James Hulse
9. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Marker
Side exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims, stonework showing World War I damage.
Drawing by J.J. Marquart, 1846
10. Reims - La Cathédral en 1846
1846 drawing of the Cathédrale on a postcard published in 1909.
Photographed by E. Lemielle, 1919
11. Souvenez-vous! 1914. Rien d'Allemand!!! Des Allemands
Remember! 1914. Nothing German! Nothing from the Germans.
The poster depicts the burning of the cathedral, which was considered a war crime. The Library of Congress (this image courtesy of) couches the explanation of the burning in relatively neutral terms: The city of Rheims was shelled with explosives and incendiaries by the Germans during ten days in September of 1914 with the cathedral as the main target. Outraged, particularly by the attack on the cathedral, the government at Bordeaux sent an official protest. At the time of the shelling the cathedral was serving as a hospital with a red cross hanging from its tower. The Germans, however, believed it was also used as an observation tower by the French, hence the heavy and unrelenting bombing. The Germans had eyewitnesses who corroborated this story, but the French consistently denied it. The tracery, towers, and nave of the cathedral were heavily damaged, but the walls were still intact.
The poster depicts the burning of the cathedral, which was considered a war crime. The Library of Congress (this image courtesy of) couches the explanation of the burning in relatively neutral terms: The city of Rheims was shelled with explosives and incendiaries by the Germans during ten days in September of 1914 with the cathedral as the main target. Outraged, particularly by the attack on the cathedral, the government at Bordeaux sent an official protest. At the time of the shelling the cathedral was serving as a hospital with a red cross hanging from its tower. The Germans, however, believed it was also used as an observation tower by the French, hence the heavy and unrelenting bombing. The Germans had eyewitnesses who corroborated this story, but the French consistently denied it. The tracery, towers, and nave of the cathedral were heavily damaged, but the walls were still intact.
Photographed by Editions Reims-Cathédral, circa 1915
12. Cathedral interior post-bombardment
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on August 13, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 10, 11, 12. submitted on August 13, 2026.
